Alexander Pope had numerous health issues since he was young

It is a fact that Alexander Pope had numerous health issues since he was young. He had numerous health issues since the age of 12, including Pott disease. Pott disease is a kind of TB of the spine caused by hematogenous dissemination from other organs, most commonly the lungs. The lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae of the spine are the most commonly affected sites. It produces tuberculous arthritis in the intervertebral joints. The infection has the potential to spread from two adjacent vertebrae into the surrounding intervertebral disc space.

The disease distorted his body and limited his growth, leaving him with a terrible hunchback. His tuberculosis infection created other health issues such as respiratory problems, high fevers, swollen eyes, and abdominal pain. He was just 4 feet 6 inches tall when he was born (1.37 meters). Pope was already isolated from society as a Catholic, and his terrible health further added to that. Despite the fact that he was never married, he had a large number of female acquaintances to whom he sent witty letters, including Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. His lifelong acquaintance Martha Blount is said to have been his girlfriend. According to Joseph Spence, his friend William Cheselden stated, "I could give a more particular account of Mr. Pope's health than perhaps any man. Cibber's slander (of carnosity) is false. He had been gay [happy], but left that way of life upon his acquaintance with Mrs. B."